The cover picture made up by Mike Roberts. HO HO HO
Mike Roberts did the cover picture editing and graphical work.

Copdock Classic
Motorcycle Club

If you read last month’s magazine, you will recall that Steve Gocher thanked
everyone who volunteered their time helping out with the motorcycle parking
and promotion of SAM at this year’s Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club (CCMC)
show. The result of our efforts was that, in recognition of our assistance, they
have donated the fantastic amount of £3000 to SAM to assist in our activities in
promoting safer motorcycling in Suffolk.
Phil Sayer, in his capacity as the Secretary of the CCMC, turned up at November
group night and presented the cheque to Bryan Duncan our Treasurer.
On behalf of the CCMC, Phil passed on a huge thank you for SAM’s help and
assistance in making this year’s show a success.
The SAM Observer December 2016

by Karl Hale
by Linda Barker
by Rachel
by Martin Andrew
by Sara Hale
by Dee and Phil Acton
by Glyn Hill
by Editor
by Committee
by Mike Roberts
by Tony Argent

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Next Issue
Closing date for copy – Friday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB
memory stick (which will be returned) or even hand-written, not a problem. The
Editor reserves the right to edit, amend or omit as he feels fit.

Chairman's Chat
A very warm welcome to the
December edition of the SAM
Observer.
I'm writing this having returned from
the November Saturday Jaunt to the
Coffee Shop at Barnplants Garden
Centre in Stanway. It was a little
cooler than the previous month's
organised ride out but just as
enjoyable, with my trouser & jacket
liners, heated grips, the excellent
coffee & lemon cheese cake and patio
heater helping to keep me warm.
Details of future SAM organised ride outs can be found on page 16. They are
also available on-line via the SAM Calendar, which links through to the SAM
Forum with details of the venue, written route instructions and the option to view
the route and export / download it in your chosen SatNav format.
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal
SAM organised ride outs are managed by one of our qualified Ride Coordinators.
Participants are allocated to groups of 5 to 6 riders maximum with consideration
for Associate and Full IAM members. Each group being led by a qualified Ride
Leader. SAM members may invite a riding guest along, on a one-off basis, who
will be allocated to an associate-led group. Pillions are always welcome.
SAM Theory Evenings consist of a guided discussion by a SAM Observer
around one of the four main Road Craft topics; Planning & Positioning,
Cornering, Gears & Acceleration and Overtaking on a rotational basis. These are
held on the third Thursday of each month at Fynn Valley and are open to
everyone, that is all SAM members as well as non-members. So you're welcome
as are your family, relatives, friends and colleagues with an interest in joining in
with the theory discussion and the practical application of 'The System of
Motorcycle Control' in real-world situations.

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SAM has been operating since last February's AGM without a Secretary despite
me making previous requests and announcements. The duties have fallen to
Bryan Duncan, Treasurer and myself. Although they don't take a huge amount
time I'm finding it more and more difficult to fit them into my available spare
time along-side my Chairman and Observing duties. So I'm looking to the SAM
membership for a willing volunteer to join the team and take on the role of
Secretary. The full role involves becoming an Officer of the Group (along with
the Chairman and Treasurer), a place on the Committee, receiving official
correspondence, receiving IAM Advanced Rider test certificates, printing SAM
test pass letters and contacting those members to arrange presentation of their
certificate & letter at a future group night. Please contact me if you're interested,
have any questions or would like to discuss the role further.
Looking forward to next year, the SAM 2017 AGM is scheduled to take place on
February's group night on Tuesday 21st. All nominations for positions on the
committee must be presented to the Secretary a month before the AGM at the
latest, preferably at January's group night. Nomination forms are available from
the SAM website:
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/nom
I shall be making my decision of whether to re-stand as Chairman in 2017 (the
officers are required to stand down during the AGM) once all of the nominations
are received. My decision will be influenced by the submitted nominations, in
particular whether one for Secretary is received.
A quick reminder that this month's group night is being held on the second
Tuesday the 13th, rather than the usual third Tuesday of the month, due to the
lead up to the Christmas holiday period. There will be test certificate & letter
presentations and festive food options available on the meal deal as well as the
usual menu options. I look forward to seeing you there for an evening of
celebration and socialising.
However you're planning to celebrate over the festive period, I wish you and
yours my Best Wishes and a relaxing, peaceful, Happy New Year.
Cheers

Steve
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New Associate Members
A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:

Ian Hardy John Wiseman Geoffrey Clement
Brian Hill Alex Workman
If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and
he will put your name in the next Issue

IAM Test Passes
Congratulations to the members who have passed their
Advanced test this month.

SAM Committee
Nominations
2017
The club is desperate for your help, Would you like to help out ? Can you spare a
few hours a month ? And make a huge difference on what happens within the
club. Like all well-oiled machines it needs cogs. Become a cog and join the
committee. Now is your chance. Fill in the form and send it to Steve Gocher via
post or email. Nominations have to be given in one month before the AGM on

21st February 2017.
For more information and to download a nomination form visit
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/nom

SAM Committee Nominations 2017
I nominate .................................................................................. For the post
of ....................................................
Proposed by:
Name ............................................... Signed ............................... Date …………
Seconded by:
Name .............................................. Signed ............................... Date …………
Nominee’s signature ............................................. Date …………
Note from Editor….
If you want something done…. Do it yourself…
Otherwise it might not happen…
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SAM Theory Evenings
As most of you know, on the Thursday evening, directly
after Group Nights, SAM holds its monthly Theory
Evening. Based on an ever revolving subject list of
important rider skills these nights are an informal evening
of facts and lively banter all aimed at improving your ride
based on the information in â&#x20AC;&#x153;How to be a better riderâ&#x20AC;?.
Each session covers one of the four main topic areas;
Overtaking
Cornering

Planning & Positioning
Gears & Acceleration

Mainly aimed at Associates going through the Skill for Life course, these
evenings are also a good way for full members to brush up on their theory and
add their experiences and questions to the session.
The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves time
on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an opportunity to
discuss any issues you may have generally on your Skill for Life Course.

Karl Hale,
The SAM Observer December 2016

SAM Chief Observer
www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

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SAM MEMBERSHIP FEES
SAM membership fees are due in January. The current cost is £22 for single
membership and £25 for joint membership. If you have a current standing order
with your bank for the correct amount, you need do nothing, your membership
card will automatically be sent or can be collected at Januarys meeting.
If you do not have a standing order but would like your subs to be payed this
way, contact your bank online, or fill in the form (available on SAM’s website
under
Join
Us)
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/sammembership-renewal.html and send to your bank.
If you wish to pay with cash or by cheque please fill in a SAM membership
renewal form (available on the SAM website, under Join Us) http://www.suffolkadvanced-motorcyclists.com/sam-membership-renewal.html and either send this
via post to me, my address is on the bottom of the form, or I will be at January’s
group night.
Thankyou

Linda Barker
Membership Secretary

BMF PRESS RELEASE
1ST November 2016
Today the BMF have become aware of the activities of a criminal gang, calling
themselves "Reckless Ryders", in a number of cities in England, including
Birmingham. They have been referred to as "bikers" and "motorcyclists", they
are not. Bikers and motorcyclists, such as those in the BMF, ride road legal
bikes, registered, insured, taxed & tested as appropriate. Bikers & motorcyclists,
including BMF members, wear appropriate, legal, clothing & are in possession of
appropriate licenses for the bikes they ride; when riding they obey traffic
regulations.
None of the above applies to the "Reckless Ryders" who were apparently riding
unregistered, off-road vehicles, many of which were stolen. The BMF condemns
their behaviour utterly, supporting whatever measures the Police have taken to
protect the public from people masquerading as "bikers" & "motorcyclists".
With best wishes in motorcycling,

Rachel

BMF Membership Secretary

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Does size really matter?
When I were a lad, most “proper” motorcycles were under 500cc. Yes there were
some mythical beasts that went by such names as Vincent and Brough Superior,
but us normal mortals could only dream of riding one. For most of us it was a
125, maybe a 250 and for some lucky devils a 350. Mind you, with car
alternatives like my dad’s Austin A40 or Ford Anglia, the bikes of the time had
quite decent performance (we thought) despite their small size (even though we
never thought of them as small).
Time went by and the Japanese
brought us (almost) affordable
massive bikes like my “huge” and
sadly missed Honda CX500. From
there my bikes grew even bigger (with
a few financial hiccups along the way,
which forced a 125cc scooter, amongst
other monstrosities, upon me). Until in
2005 I broke the bank and bought a
BMW R1200RT, to me the
motorcycling equivalent of a Cadillac.
Seven happy years followed, until an
annoying series of breakdowns started
to happen. Not breakdowns of the
Bavarian heavy bomber, but of me.
First one knee and then the other,
followed by hand and hip problems.
The descent into seniority was not
gentle. Finally, two and a half years
ago, after almost dropping the BMW a
few times at rest, when various body
parts didn’t want to hold the bike up, I
decided something lighter was required.
The Honda NC750X I’ve ridden since, is not only 40 KG lighter than the BMW,
but doesn’t have a pesky clutch lever for my arthritic left hand to hold on to. (OK
most modern bikes have light clutches these days…unlike a Laverda Jota I once
tried, squeezing tennis balls was easier).
Recently I tried out a CCM 450 Adventure. At only 125 KG, it felt like a
mountain bike in comparison (however a very, very tall mountain bike) and
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despite “only” having 41 bhp from its single cylinder engine, it’s lack of weight,
meant it fair flew, on road or off.
Those of you who keep a keen eye on the motorcycle press, will have notice a
large number of small but interesting bikes rapidly coming onto the market, such
as, Suzuki’s GSXR 250 R or BMW’s G310 adventure bike. Bikes I would have
killed for as a teenager, but bikes that maybe I can see myself on in the very near
future (subject to being able to get an arthritic body to fit a supersport 250!)
I’m also thinking that maybe I’d get more fun from such a machine. A bike
where it’s absolutely vital to be in the right gear at the right time, as simply
tugging the throttle won’t unleash a torrent of stored power. Overtakes will have
to be planned immaculately to safely succeed. Well that’s my view. Before I
splash the cash on a new lightweight, can someone from SAM’s elite (or maybe
you) reply to this rant to spell out why it is simply vital in this day and age to
have something with at least 100 bhp (or preferably lots more) and weigh as
much as the cars did in the 1960’s?
Many thanks,

BREAKFAST RUN 2017
8th January 2017
Stag Cafe
Old A45
Woolpit
BURY ST EDMUNDS, Suffolk
IP30 9DF
Tel: 01359 244314
Meet at Beacon Hill IP6 8LP in good time for 09:30 Briefing and subsequent
departure.
All riders must attend the Briefing.
Ride Co-ordinator is Richard Ockleton.
Exit Beacon Hill services to the roundabout and take the 1st exit onto A140
Keep right and take the first right onto Needham Road, B1078 to Coddenham
In Coddenham bear right on to High Street.
Head east on High Street, B1078
Stay on B1078 bearing left after Swiss Farm
At the offset crossroad with B1077, turn left onto B1077
Head north on B1077 and continue to the T junction with A1120
Turn right onto A1120
Head northeast on A1120 through Saxtead to Dennington
Turn left at Dennington onto Laxfield Road, B1116
Head north on B1116
B1116 bears left onto B1117
Head west on B1117, Laxfield Road toward Stradbroke, Horham and Eye
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In Eye turn slight right onto Lowgate Street, B1077 then turn left onto
Magdalen Street, B1117
Head west on Magdalen Street, B1117/Yaxley Road to A140
Turn left onto A140 for a short way to cross roads of Workhouse Road, Stoke
Road at the White Horse Inn
Turn right onto Workhouse Road, which continues as Wickham Road to
Finningham
Turn right onto Walsham Road, B1113 into Finningham
Head west on Walsham Road, B1113. Finningham Road to Walsham le Willows
In Walsham le Willows, continue onto The Street then turn left onto The
Causeway
Head south on The Causeway to Four Ashes
Turn right at the triangular junction onto Badwell Road
Continue onto The Street, which continues as Hunston Road
Turn sharp left onto Westley Way towards Elmswell
Continue onto Elmswell Road, which continues as Ashfield Rd
Continue onto Station Road and rail crossing at Elmswell station
Continue onto New Road
Continue straight onto Warren Lane at cross roads
Head south on Warren Lane to T-junction
Turn right to Stag CafĂŠ
Note: SatNavs may direct you to the A14 to approach the Stag CafĂŠ from J47A
but this is not necessary as it can be reached by the route described

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Ride Co-ordinators and
Ride Leaders
Ride Leaders and Ride Coordinators are the full SAM members that
facilitate SAM social rides. In order to maintain and hopefully increase
the club social rides, the club needs sufficient numbers to allow our
much-loved breakfast, Summer Chip and Winter Saturday Jaunts to
continue. If you are interested in helping the club, and helping yourself
by becoming a Ride Co-ordinator and ride Leader, please contact Sara Hale
to find out more information about one or both of these roles.

Please check the SAM Calendar and SAM Forum on-line for last minute
changes/cancellations. On the Forum you will also find the routes as text, route
cards, and on Google Maps / Streetview, along with a photo of the destination, so
you can familiarise yourself with the route before the day.

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Saturday Jaunt
21st January 2017
Friday Street Farm Shop & CafĂŠ
Farnham,
Saxmundham,
IP17 1JX
Tel: 01728 602783
Meet in car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock IP8 3TT in good time for
13:30 Briefing and subsequent departure.
All riders must attend Briefing.
Ride Co-ordinator Dean Harris.
Keep left out of retail park join A1214 towards Ipswich.
Turn left at traffic lights on to A1071
Turn right on to A1141/B1115 through to Bildeston
In Bildeston turn right on to B1078
Continue through to Needham Market turn right at sign HGV A14 Ipswich Road
and straight over staggered junction on to Lion Lane
Turn right under low bridge continue to roundabout take 1st exit A140
Turn first right on to B1078 continue through Coddenham and keep on B1078
Turn right at T junction B1079 and take next left turn B1078
Continue on B1078 through to Wickham Market turning left at T junction
Take 3rd exit at roundabout over A12 continue on B1078 through Campsea
Ashe
At T junction in Tunstall turn left then take left fork on to B1069
Continue through Snape to T junction turn left on to A1094
Friday Street Farm shop & cafe on left just before junction with A12

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Social Rides
Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the vehicle
at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group activities and that
the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot and do not accept any
liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage to vehicle occurring in
the course of any rally or other event organised by the Group. Any member
attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own risk and must maintain
their own insurance to cover any said injury to person or damage to vehicle and
must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road tax, insurance and MOT
certificate (if applicable).
Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
guidelines as follows:
You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map of the
route
If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine.
Be responsible for your own safety
Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time.
Have a FULL tank of fuel
No more than 5 in a group.

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HONDURAS & GUATAMALA
We crossed the border into Honduras at Las Manos, driving past loads of parked
up trucks first. This was probably our quickest crossing at under 1.5 hours! The
TIP (temporary vehicle permit) was hand written on a carbon copy form and very
simple compared to computers on previous borders - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing how
complicated they can make a simple task. The customs official was very friendly
and welcomed us to his country with a handshake. In fact, our first impression
was how friendly the people are. As we had made good time, we headed past the
capital to Comayagua (the old capital). On
the way, we saw many armed security guards,
at petrol stations, shops, everywhere! The
weapon of choice was the pump action
shotgun. In the town square, the next morning
was seven armed police, all with automatic
weapons. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strange as everyone is so
friendly, we wonder what people are being
protected from.
We spent a few nights at Lago Yojoa, where we enjoyed kayaking and walking
along some jungle trails. Again very friendly and no problem walking about by
ourselves - not what we expected. We then skirted around San Pedro Sula, the
murder capital of the world, and headed towards the border with Guatamala and
the town of Copan. The road was tarmac but littered with some very deep
potholes, some a foot deep and potentially very dangerous if we hit one. The
bright day casting shadows over the road made spotting them difficult. The town
was very friendly and safe. No problem
wandering about in the evening, even in the dark
- are we really in Honduras! We took the
opportunity to walk to the ruins and were met at
the entrance by a wild flock of impressive,
colourful Scarlet Macaws. They were a sacred
bird of the Mayan civilisation as well as the
national symbol of Honduras. The ruins are
impressive, especially the intricate stone carvings
and hieroglyphs.
The following day we visited Macaw Mountain,
a centre that cares for birds that have been abused
as pets. They have a breeding program and some
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can be released back into the wild. They also educate the locals to try to prevent
animal trafficking. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing seeing the Toucans and various Macaws close
up! We then headed the short distance to the border with Guatamala. Honduras
has been a real highlight with some of the most friendly people we have met. Its
a shame it has such a big crime problem.
Central America is renowned for slow border crossings full of bureaucracy but
amazingly we had another quick one! A very pot holed road took us north to Rio
Dulce, a favourite place for yachties to sit out the hurricane season. From here,
another day took us to El Remate, close to the
Mayan ruins of Tikal, deep in the jungle. We
spent the next day exploring the ruins, some of
which are so tall (about 70 metres) that they
extend beyond the jungle canopy. We climbed
up to admire the view. There was a lot of
wildlife to see as well, including Toucans,
Monkeys, Coatis and the Ocellated Turkey
(amazing colours).
From here, we continued to Coban in the
mountains. Riding here has been fun with the
main hazards being unmarked Tumulos (speed
bumps) and very bad pot holed roads. The
scenery was interesting, spikey hills, jungle, lots
of Mayan villages and smiling people. One huge
area of jungle had been cut down and planted
with Palms to make palm oil. It was sad see firsthand the destruction to the landscape in the name of vegetable oil and biofuels.
The area is riddled with limestone caves and underwater rivers; Dee spotted
some amazingly turquoise blue pools and springs - I had my eyes on the road.
Coban was a stopping point to visit Semuc Champey, a fascinating 300 metre
long limestone bridge where the main river rages underneath. The bridge is made
up of seven pools, which were perfect for swimming and also a lovely turquoise
blue. Getting there is not easy as the dirt 'road' is very steep and rocky in places.
Our mode of transport was standing in the back of a 4x4 pickup! There were
many Mayan kids selling food and drink. We spoke to some who were hard
sellers (8 years old) but they soon softened back to kids after some banter. They
can sell to Gringos in 8 different languages! We are really warming to Guatamala
with its friendly people and beautiful landscapes. However, it can still be a very
dangerous country so all the usual safety rules need to be applied. If you are in
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the wrong place then muggings and armed robbery is very likely. We are careful
which roads we ride on as some are more likely for hijackings and as always, we
never ride at night.
We wanted to see the elusive Quetzal, the national bird
of Guatamala, so we stayed in a cabin on the edge of a
National Park where they are sometimes seen. We got up
at 05:30 and were rewarded with a very good sighting of
this beautiful bird - what a result! We then headed to a
higher and more cooler climate in the cobbled colonial
town of Antigua. It's a lovely town surrounded by
volcanoes. I (Phil) took a challenging 1.5 day hike up
Volcan Acatenango, at just under 4000 metres, with
Volcan Fuego erupting beside it (lava flow at night) and
we both hiked as far up Volcan Pacaya as we were allowed because it is active.
We rode to Monterrico at the coast on a route
that included a small ferry trip through
mangrove swamps. We reversed the bike
onto a rickety wooden boat, reminiscent of
our trip on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. The boat
ride was beautiful with no problems, even if I
did miss the ramp riding off! Our reason was
to see some baby Olive Ridley turtles being
released into the sea by a local hatchery. It
was great to see them making their way into
the sea at sunset. What a tough time they
have ahead of them!
Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake formed inside
an old volcanic caldera and surrounded by
volcanoes. The road down to San Pedro on
the shore of the lake was very steep, a mix of
paved and dirt and very rough in places. We stayed in a cheap but great room for
a few nights (ÂŁ11 per night) with a lake view and secure parking for the AT. We
visited a couple of different villages on the lake by boat, one of which we went
on a horse ride around the slopes of Volcan Atitlan. After a few days we retraced
our steps up the rough road and headed for the border with Mexico at La Mesilla.
We have really enjoyed Guatamala with it's friendly people, volcanoes (33 in
total I think), colourful clothes and many places to visit.

Phil and Dee Acton
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IPSWICH TRANSPORT
MUSEUM CLASSIC VEHICLE
RUN IPSWICH TO
FELIXSTOWE
I’ve done this run a couple times before and it all starts a couple of weeks before
the run, you have to dig the bike out of the back of the garage, as it’s old it
doesn’t go out in the winter so things get piled up around the old girl, the old girl
being a 1964 Royal Enfield Crusader 250cc Sport. Once out the job of cleaning
the winter dust off and checking oils, putting a spanner on all vital nuts and bolts
to make sure nothing
is going to fall off the
time out, spark plug
out check gap, at
least you can get at
the spark plug(yes
only one cylinder) all
checks done you’re
ready to go. Why a
Crusader? Well
I
know a lot of people
say my dad had one
of those, well my dad
did and it was the
first motorbike I ever
had a ride on, so
when I saw this one I
had to have it, was
all shiny chrome and
very pretty, good old
eBay, trouble was
someone else seemed
to want it as much as
I did, so a bidding
war ensued, the price
was creeping up but I
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wasn’t going to be beaten it was a matter of principle now, so another £50 and
another and one more saw off the other bidder and she was mine, a bit more than
I wanted to pay but it was worth it.
Well that was the easy bit now
I’ve got to get to Kent to pick
her up, a quick call to son in
law Adam and the works van
was available, Adam did track
days so van kitted out to carry
bikes, so easy to load and strap
down. Well bike duly picked up
and looking just as good as the
pictures, but looking good
doesn’t mean everything is
good, I tried to kick it over and
the clutch wasn’t strong enough
to turn the engine it slipped and
was very difficult to start. So a
chat with a mate of mine who
has forgotten more about
Enfield’s than most people
know, and he said all we have
to do is add more springs to the
clutch, all you have to do is
make a new pusher plate to take
the extra springs, so being an
engineer it was easy to make
the new plate and fit the new
springs. So let’s try it, wow first
kick and it was away and it’s been the same ever since. So ready to try her out
helmet on first kick as usual and off round the village to make sure all was well
and it was, so she was ready for the big day.
Well the day arrives and off I go to meet up with a couple of mates both riding
Enfield’s Brian on a 700cc Constellation and Ted on a 350cc Bullet both mid
50’s. We met at Tattingstone crossroads; the ride into town was a nice way to get
ready for the ride to Felixstowe. The starting point, Christchurch park was
buzzing, old cars and bikes parked up and ready for the off. We had an hour to
look round and admire the excellent turn out of cars bikes and commercial
vehicles all of which looked great.
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Ok time for the off, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let me down first kick again and off we go through
Ipswich and the back roads to Felixstowe, lots of people lining the route in
gardens pub car parks and some setting up picnics on the side of the road all
waving and cheering, what a great atmosphere. We finally get to the prom at
Felixstowe where the crowds were already gathering and admiring the machines
on view, the weather was sunny but chilly but everyone seemed to be enjoying
the day. I went and had a chat with the boys on the SAM stand who seemed to be
having a busy day; it was nice to see a few SAM members who had been out on
the breakfast run earlier.
Well a very good day was had by all so after helping the boys pack up the stand
it was time to make our way home, and yes she started first kick.

Glyn Hill

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Editorial
I will start by wishing you a very happy
Christmas, you’re going to read this a few
days before the great day, meanwhile I’m
scribbling this mid-November and it just feels
wrong to wish a Christmas cheer now… My
Nephew in Canada has already put up their
tree….( Mid November) …?
Hope you all have a great relaxing time over
the New Year, and if you’re like me with family spread far and wide a few miles
will also have to be travelled.
Well my last word for this year, hope your year has been a good one. And a huge
thank you for everyone who has contributed to the SAM Observer magazine in
2016, It has made my life very enjoyable making up each edition. I would also
apologise if there have been any errors or mistakes. Of course, I look forward to
reading the write ups of your travels in 2017.
Hurrah, my part arrived… Fitted and the back of the bike
cleaned up of all the oil that should have been in the engine… .
Now hopefully I should be able to do a few more breakfast runs
in 2017, I don’t think I managed one in 2016, have done a grand
total of under two thousand miles this year…. Watch out on
January’s breakfast run, appears to be quite a lot of Bears
about… must be climate change, ☺
Thank you all again and have a very happy Christmas and Great New Year.
Safe Riding

Felix...

Editor

Bowman’s Barn, Back Street, Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH.
Tel: 07712649860
editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Thank you
To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. ☺
But….. what about the rest of you….
The SAM Observer December 2016

www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

Page 29

Closing date for copy Friday after club night
If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your
monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email
notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or
send me an email.
I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs
have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel
free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have
another great magazine to read
Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you
can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word
template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has all
the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman as
the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts the
A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate to
your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page

MEMBER INFORMATION
A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our
website. Below are some key links members will find useful.
CONTACTS
Contact details of SAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs
so you can recognise everyone.
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs
CALENDAR
Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your
smartphone.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal
OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER
What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM
motorcycle test.
Contact: Karl Hale
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart
CARING SAM
Our customer service & complaints procedures.
Contact: Brian Ellis
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care
DISCOUNT SCHEME
Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM
membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these
retailers who give a discount to SAM members.
Contact: David Arbon
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc
ADVERTS
Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our
online adverts section.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads
SHOPS
T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two
online shops.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop
FORUM
All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related.
Have a read, and then register to join in.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum
The SAM Observer December 2016

www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

Page 31

SAM Events for your Diary
December 2016
Tuesday 13th

Christmas Group Night Fynn Valley Golf Club 19:30

Saturday 17th
Saturday Jaunt,. Mistley Park Place Tea rooms. Meet in
car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock IP8 3TT, in good time for 13:30
Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend the Briefing
Tuesday 20th
Observer Training Evening, Fynn Valley Golf Club
19:00. A session of training for new observers and for existing ones to take a
refresher. Topic: Observer process including new course material.

The Committee would like to wish you all a
Very Happy Christmas and Merry New Year

January 2017
Wednesday 4th

SAM Committee meeting. Fynn Valley Golf Club.19:30

Breakfast Run, Stag Café IP30 9DF, Meet at Beacon Hill
Sunday 8th
IP6 8LP in good time for 09:30 Briefing and subsequent departure, Briefing and
subsequent departure. All riders must attend the Briefing
SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by
Tuesday 17th
Guest Speaker Guest Speaker from Cotswold Outdoor. Bar and restaurant
serving all types of food/drinks including teas and coffees.
Thursday 19th
Theory Evening. Fynn Valley Golf Club. Come along and
learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Overtaking
Saturday 21st
Saturday Jaunt, Friday Street Farm Shop & Café, IP17
1JX. Meet in car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock IP8 3TT. in good
time for 13:30 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend the
Briefing
The SAM Observer December 2016

Tuesday 21st
SAM Group Night. SAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM at 19:30 followed by
Bar and restaurant serving all types of food/drinks including teas and coffees.
Thursday 23rd
Theory Evening. Fynn Valley Golf Club. Come along and
learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topic: Planning & Positioning

Note from Editor
Please check the SAM Calendar & Forum for further details and for any changes
after going to press. Especially in winter months when the weather can be
unpredictable

Disclaimer
The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the
Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group.
They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view
that free expression promotes discussion and interests.